Saturday, March 9, 2013

Saying goodbye

Stacy's funeral was yesterday and there is no real way to describe the event effectively through words. We estimate there were around 250 people who were able to come from all sections of Stacy's Australian community.

Family, Frisbee, Starlight, St. Marys, Elle Would fashion, girls weekend crew, medical types, KG teachers and other folks who all felt the gravitational pull of Stacy's orbit were in attendance and emotionally connected. It was a lovely turn out and I think I hugged most people on the way in, and the way out. Phew.

We were keenly aware that whilst there were a lot of people who could make it, there are probably more who couldn't. Like Stacy did, we feel the distance to her family and friends on the other side of the world, and we are keen to do what we can about that.

Yesterday my brother Dave filmed the majority of the service and below are some excerpts that I hope people who couldn't be with us find make them feel a little more involved.


Mike speaking

Parents reading

Father Nigel speaking



Additionally Debi, Dave and I will be returning home to Montana at some point in the next few weeks and we intend to hold a funeral service for Stacy in Great Falls. We don't know exactly when this will be however our intention is to provide 4 weeks notice when we do make arrangements. I know there will be some people who will travel to Great Falls for the service and I hope that 4 weeks will be enough time in advance to make travel arrangements.

I expect the date will be some time in mid to late April, however we haven't been able to put much thought into the details yet. Watch the blog for further information.

Personally I hope to be able to spend some time with as many of Stacy's close people as possible because I know she has been gone for a long time. I have plenty of memories to share and I'm very open to visiting with people and answering questions about the last few years. Again no details yet however my intentions are to make some time to reconnect with Stacy's loved ones in the US.

Thank you to everyone who came yesterday and who sent their best wishes from afar, it was a good feeling to see and be touched by so much love. She was a wonderful person and I hope to swap many more memories in the weeks and months to come.

7 comments:

  1. It is fabulous to be able to see the footage of the funeral. Thanks for making it happen.

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  2. Micka, your words were amazing and beautiful all at the same time, and I remember you "not running" at UNC and thinking uh oh! He's not running! and it feels like yesterday, and that's the beauty of memories, they are with out question timeless.
    I will try and take your words of advice and act...... Not till after breakfast though! All the best, Andy Camis and Family




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  3. Thank you so much for this. All the words are comforting, and the presence of the people in the room makes me feel united... and I've said it already, but I can't say it enough: Mike, you're as inspiring as she is. Your love and strength permeates my heart, and I will take it with me always. Thank you.

    All My Heart,
    Joe Apice

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  4. Mike, thinking of you at this time. Your words will help me in action here.
    Peace mate.
    Kieran

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  5. Thanks Mike for your beautiful & inspiring words. xo Daria

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  6. your wife was the most amazing light in the world. she left a legacy and a call to action. your words are inspiring Mike! I didn't know you.. but Stacy was my saviour from alot of bullies throughout our child hood.. she stands for good.. and that is rare. bless you and may peace and healing warm your heart.

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  7. Mike, I was so sad not to be able to come to Montana to meet the Man who was an Angel on Earth to our precious Stacey.We will meet someday I hope, either here or in Heaven.It's a stormy night here in Ohio making me think of my childhood days at St. Mary when the Nuns told us the Angels were bowling in Heaven when you hear thunder.Stacey is among the angels and not suffering anymore.God Bless Mike, Marty Long, Daves cousin

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